Returns mission schools to original owners
Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, has said his administration provided a level-playing field for all political parties and their candidates to freely canvass for votes by holding rallies, meetings and other engagements without hindrance.
He has also announced the return of mission schools to their original owners.
Lalong stressed that despite being the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) and desiring victory for the party and its candidates, he never used his power as governor to oppress the opposition.
“I have not used the instrument of power to give any undue advantage to my party or its candidates or even attempted to suppress the opposition. This is because of my belief in democracy and the realisation that the interest of Plateau and its people should always be put above individual, group or party interests,” Lalong stated, yesterday, in his broadcast to Plateau people to mark the New Year.
The governor pointed out that while people struggle for power, they should remember that at the end of every political contest, everybody remain brothers and sisters as well as citizens of Plateau.
“May I, therefore, appeal to those who have registered but yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to ensure they collect them before the window closes.
“Already, the collection is moving to ward level and the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) is calling on all citizens to avail themselves of the opportunity. While we do that, let us renew our resolve to support the electoral umpire and security agencies by ensuring that we shun violence, hate speech and incitement using religion, ethnicity and other negative ideas,” Lalong said.
He thanked the legislative and judicial arms of government for their support and collaboration in the discharge of government’s responsibilities, adding that they would continue to work together as they serve the people.
Lalong, who signed into law the 2023 Appropriation Bill of N149 billion few days ago, said his government shall begin implementation immediately, as it marches towards its last day in office.
On the agitation for the return of schools established by voluntary associations, particularly those run by Christians and Muslims, he said his Rescue Administration has decided to grant the desire.
“Consequently, l have approved the process for the return of 32 mission schools in Plateau earlier taken over by the government to their original owners in the first phase of this programme, which will commence this February,” he said.
